HC Deb 07 March 2003 vol 400 cc1292-3W
Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what percentage of the eggs sold in the UK were produced in(a) free range systems, (b) barn systems and (c) cage systems in the last 12 months. [100378]

Mr. Morley

Defra does not hold this specific data. However, of egg packing station throughput in the UK in 2002, 23 per cent. came from free-range systems, 6 per cent. from barn systems and 71 per cent. from cage systems. During the previous year (2001), 23 per cent. came from free-range systems, 5 per cent. from barn systems and 72 per cent. from cage systems.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what representations her Department is making to the European Union on the issue of enriched cages for egg laying hens; and if she will make a statement. [100374]

Mr. Morley

The Government's policy on enriched cages has been subject to public consultation. A decision will be announced shortly.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many farms in the UK intensively produce eggs; and how many of these use the(a) barren battery cage system and (b) enriched cage system; [100376]

(2) how many and what percentage of farms, in the last 10 years have intensively produced eggs in the UK. [100377]

Mr. Morley

Defra does not hold this data. However, in 2002, 71 per cent. of UK egg packing station throughput came from caged birds.